Melissa Claire Egan Mourns the Death of Her Beloved Dog, Sophia

Please join us in sending love to THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS star Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea) and her family as they mourn the death of their dog, Sophia. The Daytime Emmy nominee announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram.

“So very sad to share we had to say goodbye to our sweet Sophia yesterday,” wrote the actress, who ABC fans remember as Annie on ALL MY CHILDREN. “And although we were so lucky to have 16 ½ years with this special angel, it just never seems like enough time. We are heartbroken but also so grateful.”

Egan and her husband, television exec Matt Katrosar, share two sons — Caden and Jake — but the Y&R star confessed that her puppy was her first baby. “Sophia made me a mom,” she admitted. “She changed me forever. So many of you knew and loved her. She was the best girl, so much personality, hated the mailman, and loved ‘getting the mail.’ She barked at any animal on the TV.”

Recently, Egan added, Sophia’s age began to catch up with her. “And although she slowed down a lot the last year or two, she always had the most human eyes,” the actress wrote. “She was our best girl, and I can’t imagine her not being here anymore. I know it’s part of life as a dog parent, but it hurts so bad. We will love you forever, our sweet Sophie girl. And will see you again one day. Now go get that mailman.”

Scroll through the gallery below to see the personal photos Egan shared of her family’s beautiful moments with Sophia over the past 16 years.